5 Reasons to Update Your Professional Headshot

Your professional headshot is often one of the first things a potential client, employer or colleague sees. Whether it appears on LinkedIn, your company website, social media or marketing material, it says something about you before you've even met.

A good professional headshot should look current, confident and approachable. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, changing jobs or representing your business in Worcester or Worcestershire, an up-to-date photograph can make an important first impression.

Here are five good reasons to consider a new professional headshot.

1. Your Current Headshot No Longer Looks Like You

This is probably the most obvious reason to update your photograph.

Hairstyles change, glasses change and, of course, we all change with time. If someone meets you after seeing your photograph online, ideally they should recognise you straight away.

There's nothing wrong with looking a few years older. A natural, current portrait is far more effective than an old photograph that no longer represents you.

2. Your Career or Position Has Changed

A new job, promotion, career change or starting your own business can all be good reasons for a new professional headshot.

The photograph that suited you five or ten years ago may not reflect where you are professionally today.

For executives and business owners in particular, a strong portrait can help communicate confidence and experience while still looking relaxed and approachable.

3. Your LinkedIn Headshot Needs a Strong First Impression

LinkedIn is often one of the first places people look when they want to know more about you.

A professional LinkedIn headshot doesn't need to look overly corporate or formal. In fact, I generally prefer portraits that show some personality and look natural. After more than 35 years photographing people professionally, I’ve found that the best headshots are usually the ones where people look relaxed and comfortable rather than overly posed.

Good lighting, a suitable background and the right expression can make an enormous difference.

The aim is simple: you should look like yourself on a good day.

4. Your Photographs Aren't Consistent Across Different Platforms

You may have one photograph on LinkedIn, another on your company website and a completely different image on social media.

Updating your professional headshot gives you the opportunity to create a consistent image across your online presence.

During a headshot session, I can also create several variations. A more formal image might work well for your company website, while something slightly more relaxed could be ideal for LinkedIn or social media.

5. Professional Headshots Have Become More Natural

Business portraits have changed considerably over the years.

A professional headshot no longer has to mean standing stiffly against a plain background with a forced smile.

I prefer to create natural, confident portraits that suit the individual. That might mean photographing you in my studio, at your workplace or in an environment connected with what you do.

With professional portable lighting, I can also create a studio-style headshot at your office or workplace, making it particularly convenient when several members of a team need to be photographed.

Professional Headshots in Worcester & Worcestershire

With over 35 years of professional photography experience, I photograph individuals, executives and businesses throughout Worcester, Malvern and Worcestershire.

Sessions can take place in my Malvern studio or at your workplace, where I can bring professional lighting and backgrounds to create studio-style headshots on location.

Whether you need a new LinkedIn headshot, executive portrait, business profile photograph or consistent headshots for your whole team, I'll help you create natural, professional images that look like you.

Is it time to update your professional headshot?

View my Portrait & Headshot Photography page to see more of my work, or get in touch to arrange your session.